Violent incident in Chile

Statkraft is currently conducting an internal inquiry to determine what happened when the project site was attacked Thursday 23 February. The incident is also under investigation by the Chilean police.  

Security personnel from Statkraft travelled to Chile last week, and representatives from Statkraft met with the Norwegian ambassador to Chile on Monday 6 March. 

Statkraft took over the project on the Pilmaiquen river in April 2015 through the acquisition of the company Empresa Eléctrica Pilmaiquen. The project had been granted all necessary Government approvals and licences to begin construction. Nevertheless, Statkraft initiated its own investigation to examine all aspects of the projects, to ensure they complied with Statkrafts own code of conduct and requirements, as well as international standards related to the project’s social and environmental impact. The investigation caused Statkraft to terminate plans of developing the Osorno project in the same river system, while going through with the Los Lagos project, which is currently being finalised.  

Statkraft Chile has worked to establish an open and trust-building dialogue with the local communities and representatives from indigenous groups over the last six years. There are approximately 25 different communities in the area, including two groups that are opposed to the project. There have been a number of protests against the project and employees during the last years, including use of violence. 

In 2019 it was decided to post police officers within the project site. Since 2022, Statkraft Chile has also requested strengtened police protection on the perimeter of the site, to ensure employee and contractor safety on site.